Dr Superfoods USDA 100% certified organic matcha tea powder is ceremonial grade which uses the finest, smallest shade grown leaves from the very tip of the tea bush. This creates a vibrant green colour and a slightly sweet, smooth flavour. The young tips of the tea plant are higher in nutrients than other older parts of the tea plant which are used to make the lower grades of matcha tea. Matcha is simply powdered green tea, however it is grown and harvested differently to standard green tea. The tea plant is grown in the shade for the final few months prior to harvest to boost the chlorophyll content of the leaves so it develops a vibrant green colour. Matcha is available in four different grades which vary in colour, nutrition and price. Green tea is made by brewing tea leaves in hot water after which the leaves are discarded. However, with matcha tea powder you actually consumes the green tea, which maximises the nutritional uptake. You get many times more nutritional bang for your buck from a teaspoon of matcha powder than a cup of brewed green tea. Matcha is very high in antioxidants, polyphenols and catechins.